Pamaquine

Pamaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline derivative with antimalarial properties. It was first synthesized in the early 20th century and was used extensively during World War II to prevent and treat malaria. Pamaquine is also known as plasmochin, plasmoquine, and pentaquine.

History

Pamaquine was first synthesized in 1924 by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. It was one of the first synthetic antimalarial drugs to be developed, following the discovery of quinine in the 19th century. During World War II, pamaquine was used extensively by the military to prevent and treat malaria in soldiers stationed in tropical regions.

Pharmacology

Pamaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline derivative. It works by interfering with the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite, the organism that causes malaria. Pamaquine is particularly effective against the liver stages of the parasite, which are responsible for the relapsing nature of the disease.

Side Effects

Like many antimalarial drugs, pamaquine can cause a number of side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, hemolytic anemia. This last side effect is particularly dangerous for individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells.

Current Use

Today, pamaquine is rarely used due to the development of newer, safer antimalarial drugs. However, it is still occasionally used in combination with other drugs to treat certain forms of malaria, particularly those caused by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale.

See Also

• Antimalarial medication
• Malaria
• 8-aminoquinoline